Healthy Signs for Parakeets

Parakeets are very healthy little birds. If you as an owner take care of them, they are usually very healthy and happy birds. This requires making sure that the cage size is adequate (See our Parakeet Cage page for suggestions), the parakeet is getting the proper food (See Parakeet Diet page for suggestions) and that the location of the cage is a dry suitable area where the temperature is always consistent. If all these steps are followed the parakeet should be healthy and happy.

What are the Signs of A Healthy Parakeet?

There are several signs that your parakeet is healthy. For the most part these signs are all obvious and can been noticed by observing the parakeet for a few minutes. Body language is the most significant sign of a healthy parakeet, if the parakeet is unhappy they will have odd movements and behaviours. These little birds are just like humans and wear their problems on their sleeve (or in this case features).

Healthy Parakeet Signs:

Normal Dietary Habits: Parakeets will usually eat the most during the mornings. If your parakeet isn't eating or changes when it normally eats this could be a sign of problems or an unhappy parakeet.

Activity Level: These little birds are very active animals they are always moving and performing little acrobatic skills. A healthy parakeet will be very active throughout the day. If you notice the parakeet is not moving around it could be a sign of being unhappy.

Feather Appearance: Parakeets keep their features very neat and in order. In fact they spend a good portion of their day grooming themselves. Keep an eye for loose feathers, out of place feathers, extremely puffy feathers or other odd looking feathers. Feathers are an important part of a parakeet's health and can be one of the first signs of an unhappy parakeet.

Claws and Feet: There are occasional foot and claw problems that'll prevent your parakeet from being health and happy. There should be no encrustation, malformations or inflammation of the claws and feet. The nails of the claws should not be too long or too short and can cause several problems.

Flight: If you allow your parakeet to fly around the house their flight pattern can be a signal that there is a problem. Their flying should be even. Any odd flight patterns, crashing into objects or other odd flight problems can be a signal that the parakeet is having an issue with their eye sight or other potential problems.

Cere: The parakeets free is another body area that can tell of health problems. Their cere or soft nose like area should be free of encrustations or blockages of the holes. The cere will actually have a waxy appearance to humans. Females have light brown ceres and males will have a light blue cere. Occasionally the cere will appear darker depending upon the hormone levels of the parakeet. If the darkish color lasts for a prolong period of time it could be a sign of other health issues and time to consult a vet.

Beak Area: The parakeets beak should be just the right length. Sometimes overgrown or chipped beaks can be a sign of health issues. The beak should also be firm and intact and able to dehusk seeds and other foods. Feathers around the beak and cere area can also tell a parakeet owner that there is a health problem. These feathers are especially susceptible to scaly face and mite problems.

Breathing: Parakeets do not breath mainly out of their beaks. If you notice that the parakeet is breathing primarly out of their beaks this can be a sign of lung problems or chest inflammation. Please consult a vet if you notice these issues.

Droppings: Parakeet droppings should be firm, hard little pellets. If the droppings appear to be runny or wet it can be a signal that the parakeets diet is not normal and be a sign of potential health problems.

Most of the signs of a healthy parakeet can be seen by the human eye. If the parakeet is unhappy it won't take long for them to show you through the listed signs. Remember to keep the parakeet happy and occupied. Sometimes boredom can cause these problems and prevent the parakeet from being as healthy and happy as they should be. If there is ever a question of parakeet health problems please contact a vet and don't be afraid to ask questions!